Former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis believes the Reds could land a younger version of Arjen Robben in the shape of Ukrainian target Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Former United winger Andrei Kanchelskis believes the Reds could land a younger version of Arjen Robben in the shape of Ukrainian target Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal has been reported to be keen on the 24-year-old FC Dnipro flankman.

Van Gaal’s connections with Robben at club and country level have also had the 30-year-old Bayern Munich winger being linked to a move to United to help the new Old Trafford revolution.

Van Gaal made Robben his first purchase at Bayern when he moved to the German club in 2009, luring him from Real Madrid. The former Chelsea winger’s wide midfield role and ability to come inside has been a feature of his success and a key component in the make-up of van Gaal’s strategy in Holland’s World Cup plans in Brazil.

Robben, however, dismissed a move to United last month insisting he was happy at the Allianz Arena and had recently signed a new contract.

With that avenue seemingly closed, early 90s United favourite Kanchelskis, who hails from the same Ukrainian city Kirovograd as Konoplyanka, reckons his fellow countryman can tick the boxes for the Reds.

“Yevhen is a good player and he would be good for United,” Kanchelskis told MEN Sport.

“If you are looking for a quick winger then Konoplyanka is not that. He isn’t as quick as I was! He isn’t like a Ryan Giggs or Lee Sharpe who played with me at United.

“He is not a real winger as such and I don’t think there are many of those around Europe at the moment. But he is technically very good, he has good skills and he has a good shot on him. He likes to come more into the central midfield areas and does like to get a hit on goal.

“To me he is like Arjen Robben. He is similar to him and if that is the kind of player Louis van Gaal likes then why not go for Konoplyanka?”

Kanchelskis came to Manchester in March 1991 to join Sir Alex Ferguson’s early construction of his Dream Team.

Kanchelskis left his home with his country on the brink of part of the collapse of the Soviet Union since when the economy in the East has improved with both the Russian and Ukrainian Leagues benefiting hugely.

“There is a different mentality these days among footballers,” Kanchelskis added.

“I didn’t come over for the money, I came over for the football. That was my mentality. I wanted to improve my game and England was the place to do it. It was all about the football.

“Now in many cases it is all about the money first and then football second. In Russia and the Ukraine now players are on very good wages.

“They are comfortable. They have their wives and families and friends around. They don’t have to worry about language problems. They have all the home comforts.

“So generally they are not so inclined to move away to improve their game. They are happy to stay where they know in familiar surroundings and are also being well paid.

“I don’t know whether this applies to Konoplyanka. It is not the case for every player. But if he were to ask me what to do then, of course, I would say that he had to go to Manchester United. He definitely has to give Old Trafford a go if the opportunity arises. I never regretted it. It was a great time.

“It is the biggest club in the world. It is a great club with great fans. You cannot afford to turn that down if you get a chance to join. You only get one chance to join Manchester United and you have to take it. If any player from Russia or Ukraine asked me then I would tell them it is a must.

“Everything is different but it is a fantastic opportunity. It would be great to see another Ukrainian at Old Trafford. I hope it happens for Yevhen.”

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